Social Service Resumes

It is a common misconception that resumes must be set up chronologically, but in reality, this is not always the best choice. Candidates, who have extensive work experience, are returning to work following an absence, making a career change, lack education or work experience, or very experienced professionals with vague job titles may benefit from utilizing a functional resume format.  Commonly, candidates acquire job titles that appear irrelevant to desired social services position, but in reality they have obtained the skills necessary for the open position.  These job titles allow employers to skim past important information.  The functional format focuses on skills and knowledge rather than employment history or educational background; therefore, employers are forced to take an in-depth look at a candidate’s skills. 

The functional format mainly consists of two sections.  It begins with skills and the company they were obtained at, followed by a section of detailed, bulleted lists of skills and specific facts.  An example of the skills section is as follows:

Case Management and Consulting – company name, dates of employment
 Family Systems counseling
 Case Documentation and Reporting
 Patient/Client Needs Assessment

After completing a list of pertinent skills, it is important to give details in the final section of the resume, delivering detailed information. For example:

• Managed 170 victim caseload with limited resources in drug inhibited and economically depressed community
• Created fluid documentation system for all case paperwork and necessary forms

Resumes should be spaced enough to allow a quick, 10-30 second scan of the page to yield interest and inform prospective employers of the candidate’s skills.  Resumes should never exceed two pages, and legible ten point or larger text should be used.  Pictures, personal information, and religious or political affiliations should not be included in any resume.  References may be added, but it is best to have them available upon request.  Keep in mind that resumes are not interviews, but the means to attaining an interview. 

For more information on how to create a professional social service resume, please visit the following sites:

• A Perfect Resume
• Resume to Referrals
• PC World
• Red Hot Resumes
• Resume Layout Pro 

Let iHireSocialServices help get your resume out into the social service industry.  We offer resume fax and email blasting to companies in your area for a small fee, or have your cover letter sent out for no charge.